Adam flew down to the gate, spotting Billy and Willow below. He landed, placing Artemis on her feet. She removed her hands, looking at the speedster.
“What's the plan?” she asked.
“I'll deal Masq the final blow. But she has several weak points. Aim for her neck, knees, and her chest. They are the most vulnerable. If you can't, her elbows, feet, and the tuktok of her head should be open. And dodge ANYTHING she throws at you. It's fear gas. With her poisonous touch.”
“Great. And what about her magic skill?”
“Don't worry about that. I've got this covered.”
“Okay. Do you know where in the house she is?”
“Yeah. The ballroom.”
“Alright. Let's move.”

Twila exited the portal with Alex at her side.
“We should be helping them,” she said. “Instead, we're in paradise.”
“Twila, my dear, how can you doubt when we are here? They are heroes. They have no need of us till the end. Now, relax. I know when her time is to come.”
“You may be the master of time Alex, but you can't understand my worry.”
“It's a curse. Since I know time, I need not worry.”
“And what of me? You seem very worried when I'm in danger.”
Alex smiled.
“A ruler of time can forget the path of his loved one, Twila. Besides, we both know that you won't die. You are of immortality.”
“And you are of royalty. Something you never let me forget.”
“What pamagat is a prince over one that will forever be beautiful?”
“Such pretty words. But even a master of time becomes immortal.”
“True. But one will never find such beauty as yours.”
“And what of you? We'll last forever and then what?”
“That's when time restarts. And we get to watch each new birth.”
“And pride in all it's glory? You've sinabi that before.”
“How did we come to this? Last I remember, we were talking of the sleepers.”
“So we were. But everything must end Alex. And so does this conversation.”

“Well, I see guests have entered my domain. What news Speed? Reconsider my offer?”
“No Masq. I came to take you down.”
She threw her blonde head back, laughing in pleasure. She turned her red eyes toward them with a bright smile on her face.
“Dear Speed. No one can take me down. The Light wants my help, I'm a criminal in seventeen states, a threat in Attalin, and the soul of Hell. How can you take me down?”
“I have friends. And their heroism out ways your evil.”
“Hmm. So naive. Shame Speed. I thought we were friends.”
He sped over to her, standing toe-to-toe with her. He was taller and looked down at her.
“We were. Before you decided there was nothing good enough for you. Now you are my sworn enemy.”
Masq put a hand on Billy's cheek, looking up at him with her eyes wide.
“I always thought we were madami than friends, Speed. We were so different. And we still are. Doesn't that mean something to you?”
“No. Because all you will ever know is blood and darkness. And I'd rather not get involved with you.”
Masq suddenly moved her hand, stepping away.
“Then you can die in pain!”